Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh’s internet usage rose to 48.9 percent in 2025, up from 44.5 percent in 2023, according to a BBS survey. While mobile phone access is nearly universal, gaps persist in smartphone ownership, internet use, and gender and urban-rural access, highlighting uneven digital inclusion.
Oman’s mobile subscriptions exceeded 8 million by October 2025, growing 11.3 percent year-on-year as IoT, fiber broadband, and mobile data adoption accelerated. The data reflects the country’s continued digital transformation and shift toward advanced connectivity technologies.
Qatar ranked 35th globally and second in MENA in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2025, driven by strong openness to international talent, high institutional quality, and advanced digital infrastructure. The country continues to position itself as a resilient, future-ready hub for skilled professionals and global learners.
James Cameron has joined the billionaire ranks with a net worth of $1.1 billion, driven largely by the unprecedented box office success of the Avatar franchise. Future sequels are expected to further strengthen his financial standing.
Oman’s telecommunications sector recorded strong growth through October 2025, with rising mobile, broadband, fiber, and IoT subscriptions driving digital transformation. Rapid expansion in machine-to-machine services and fiber connectivity highlights shifting demand, while declining legacy technologies signal continued network modernisation across the Sultanate.
The UAE’s mobile services market is set for steady, data-driven growth over the remainder of the decade, as widespread 5G adoption reshapes consumer and enterprise usage patterns. New analysis from GlobalData projects mobile service revenue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% between 2025 and 2030, driven primarily by rising data consumption despite continued declines in traditional voice revenues.
Ericsson’s Majda Lahlou Kassi discussed Africa’s growing 5G momentum at ATF 2025, citing 400 million expected 5G subscriptions by 2030, FWA-driven expansion, affordability challenges, and new use cases in mining, maritime, and stadium experiences. She also emphasized AI adoption, energy-efficient networks, and youth-focused digital skills development.
Iraq saw a dramatic 410+ percent rise in fiber-optic internet subscriptions in 2024, growing from about 217,000 users to nearly 1.1 million. The growth is driven by nationwide FTTH and next-generation network deployments, with Baghdad leading adoption. However, major regional disparities remain, as southern provinces lag behind. Mobile internet still dominates with over 21 million users nationwide.
Nigeria’s teledensity climbed to nearly 81 percent in October 2025 as active subscriptions reached 175 million, driven by over 1.5 million newly activated SIMs. Despite a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs earlier in the year, Nigerians continued to consume record volumes of data, spending around ₦2.5 trillion between February and September. 4G remains the dominant technology, while broadband penetration reached almost 50 percent. Operators such as MTN and Airtel recorded sharp growth in data revenues, highlighting Nigeria’s resilient appetite for digital connectivity despite rising costs.
A new Mubasher Capital Bahrain report confirms Beyon’s continued dominance in the Kingdom’s telecom sector, with over 70 percent broadband and 40 percent mobile market share. The company has demonstrated steady revenue growth, reaching BD460 million in 2024, supported mainly by traditional telecom services. Beyon is also expanding across digital finance, cloud, IT, and cybersecurity through multiple subsidiaries. Its international exposure, supported by infrastructure projects such as the SEA-ME-WE 6 cable, is strengthening long-term growth and diversification while remaining aligned with Bahrain’s Vision 2030.